One of the easiest things to forget when packing for Iceland is a travel adapter.
After all, there’s nothing worse than arriving at your hotel, campervan or guesthouse only to realise you can’t charge your phone, camera or laptop.
The good news is that Iceland uses the same electrical system as most of mainland Europe, so if you’ve travelled around Europe before, you may already have everything you need.
Here’s everything you need to know about plug sockets, adapters and charging your devices in Iceland.
What Plug Sockets Does Iceland Use?
Iceland uses:
- Type C plugs
- Type F plugs
These are the standard two-pin European plugs used across much of mainland Europe.
Most hotels, guesthouses, apartments and campsites use these socket types.
What Voltage Does Iceland Use?
Iceland operates on:
- 230 volts (V)
- 50Hz frequency
This is the same electrical standard used across most of Europe.
Do UK Travellers Need a Travel Adapter?
Yes.
If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need a UK to European travel adapter because UK plugs won’t fit Icelandic sockets.
The good news is that most modern chargers (phones, laptops, cameras and tablets) already support Iceland’s voltage, so you usually only need a simple plug adapter rather than a voltage converter.
Always double-check the label on your charger if you’re unsure.
Do Visitors from Europe Need an Adapter?
Usually not.
If your country already uses Type C or Type F plugs, your devices should work in Iceland without any additional adapter.
Do Visitors from the USA or Canada Need an Adapter?
Yes.
Travellers from North America will normally need both:
- A plug adapter.
- A charger that supports 100–240V.
Most modern phone and laptop chargers already do, but always check before travelling.
Can I Charge My Phone in Iceland?
Absolutely.
We’ve charged:
- iPhones
- Android phones
- Cameras
- Power banks
- Laptops
- Smartwatches
without any issues during our trips.
A simple travel adapter is all most UK travellers need.
Bring a Multi-Port Charger
One of the best travel accessories we’ve ever bought is a multi-port USB charger.
Instead of carrying lots of separate plugs, you can charge several devices from one socket.
This is especially useful if you’re travelling as a couple or family.
Don’t Forget a Power Bank
If you’re driving around Iceland, a power bank is one of the most useful things you can pack.
We regularly use ours for:
- Google Maps
- Photographing waterfalls
- Northern Lights photography
- Long driving days
On one of our winter trips, our rental car battery failed just outside Reykjavík. Having a fully charged phone meant we could contact the rental company, arrange roadside assistance and make the online payment while we waited.
It’s something we never travel without now.
Charging in Campervans
If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll usually find:
- USB charging ports
- 12V sockets
- Mains electricity when connected at campsites
The exact setup depends on the vehicle, so it’s always worth checking before you travel.
We explored Iceland with CampEasy, and found charging cameras, phones and other devices straightforward throughout our trip.
If you’re planning your own campervan adventure, our readers also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.
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Charging While Driving
If you’re hiring a car, it’s worth bringing:
- USB charging cable
- Car charger (if needed)
- Power bank
Many modern rental cars include USB ports, making it easy to keep your phone charged while using navigation.
We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental, whose vehicles have been ideal for Iceland road trips.
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https://www.bluecarrental.is/?affiliate=IcelandicAdventure
Stay Connected
A charged phone is only useful if you have mobile data.
We always travel with Saily eSIM, which activates before we land in Iceland.
It means we can use maps, check the weather, monitor road conditions and stay connected from the moment we arrive.
📱 Save 10% with Saily here:
https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717
Our Packing Checklist
Before leaving for Iceland, we’d recommend packing:
✔️ European travel adapter
✔️ Phone charger
✔️ Camera charger
✔️ Power bank
✔️ Charging cables
✔️ Multi-port USB charger
✔️ Car charging cable
That little checklist can save a lot of frustration once you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK plugs work in Iceland?
No.
You’ll need a European travel adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter?
Probably not.
Most modern electronics such as phones, tablets, cameras and laptops support 100–240V automatically.
Always check your charger to be certain.
Can I buy an adapter in Iceland?
Yes.
Travel adapters are available at airports, supermarkets and electronics shops, but they’re usually cheaper if you buy one before you travel.
Can I charge my phone in a rental car?
Most modern rental cars have USB charging ports, although it’s worth bringing your own cable.
Final Thoughts
Thankfully, staying charged in Iceland is simple.
If you’re travelling from the UK, all you’ll usually need is a European travel adapter, and your everyday chargers will do the rest.
Pack a power bank, bring a multi-port charger if you’re travelling with others, and don’t forget your charging cables.
It’s a small thing to organise before your trip, but it means you’ll always be ready to capture Iceland’s incredible landscapes, navigate the Ring Road and stay connected throughout your adventure.
Happy travels—and don’t forget your adapter!
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